Farmers Markets are set to start

Vendors prepare for fairgrounds, downtown events

Paul Madiera of Ocean Air Farms sells produce at a previoius Farmers Market. He’s set to renew his efforts Saturday at the fairgrounds. Del Norte Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

It’s almost Farmers Market time again in Del Norte.

The market at the fairgrounds opens for the season on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

And the downtown market begins Wednesday at 3rd and K streets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday’s debut of the Farmers Market will be something of a “soft opening,” according to manager Ron Phillips of Rural Human Services. Still, he anticipates 35-40 vendors will be on hand, selling produce baked goods, crafts and ... politics.

Since this is the final Saturday before Tuesday’s primary election,
he expects both the Democratic and Republican parties to have booths,
along with one or more candidates for county supervisor.

Bakeries will also be well-represented, with booths for Glen’s
Bakery, Vita Cucina, and Bakery by the Sea in Brookings expected,
Phillips said.

Most visitors to the Saturday Farmers Market have been there plenty
of times before, but there’s always a few new faces among the vendors
and the customers, he said.

“It’s a great way of getting fresh, wholesome fruits and vegetables,
but even more than that it’s a community event,” Phillips said. “It’s
where you can meet your neighbors and stroll around.”

Del Norte Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

The Network for a Healthy California’s “Rethink Your Drink” campaign
will have a booth at the market with infused water for members of the
public to sample and vote for their favorite. A winner will be selected
that day.

Residents have been invited to submit recipes for water infused with
fruit, vegetables and herbs with no added sugar (also give a name for
the concoction) to Program Director Deborah Kravitz at dkravitz@del
norte.k12.ca.us.

Those who submit a recipe should bring the ingredients to the
“Rethink Your Drink” booth by 9 a.m. Water and containers will be
provided. There will be prizes for top recipes.

Campaign organizers will then be at the Health Fair on June 9 at the
fairgrounds with samples of the winning recipes, “Rethink Your Drink”
information and give- aways.

For more information about the Saturday Farmers Market, call Phillips, 460-3537.

Meanwhile, the downtown Farmers Market on Wednesdays, sponsored by the Business Improvement District, kicks off next week.

Each month on the first Wednesday, additional “flea market” type of
vendors will be allowed to sell their wares. The rest of the Wednesdays
will be for grown or handmade products specifically.

It is held in the parking lot with the clocktower on the corner of 3rd and K streets.